Afghan Interior Minister, Qanooni Visits Russia - 2002-03-01

Afghanistan's Interim Interior Minister Yunis Qanuni says ridding his country of remaining terrorists and illegal drugs are two of his government's top priorities.

During a visit to Moscow today (Friday), Mr. Qanuni told the Russian Deputy Minister for Emergency Situations, Yuri Vorobyov, that Afghanistan has made progress in combating drug production, but will need foreign help to rid the area of narcotics.

The Afghan minister said his government has moved to ban the harvesting of poppy seeds used to make heroin and opium, but added the sheer scale of drug operations will require a multi-national effort.

Mr. Qanuni said his country would welcome Russia's help in increasing security around Afghanistan to promote stability and curb drug trafficking.

Russia has agreed to provide training for Afghanistan's police force and to cooperate in fighting terrorism and organized crime.